Circa 1952 Zeiss Ikon Contax IIa, Freshly serviced, CLA’d

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted

There are times when camera collecting is incredibly difficult. It comes as moments when you’re asked simple questions like “What’s the best camera…?” or “Which is the most significant camera ever?” The brain starts working, the heart beats nicely and the mouth moves but if an answer appears at all… it’s a long and complicated one, full of design details, historical moments and personal rationalizations.

 So here’s a camera that many hearts can agree on, the classic Zeiss-Ikon Contax IIa.  A classic post-war, premium quality 35mm rangefinder camera. It’s a camera that still enjoys a strong following. In its heyday during the 1950’s and 1960’s it was often used by fine art photographers, photojournalists and fashion photographers on the go. Many collectors and photographers and collectors still cherish them today because of their delightful characteristics, their relatively quiet shutters and their compatibility with some superb Zeiss lenses.

This Contax IIa was produced between 1950 thru 1954 Stuttgart Germany by Zeiss-Ikon. It’s an exceptionally fine example and considerably nicer than most. It’s fully functional. It features a built in coupled rangefinder that never leaves you guessing about distance or focus. The rangefinder is bright, clear, accurate and smooth. Naturally it also accepts a number of fine, interchangeable Zeiss lenses.

It comes complete with a film take up spool.

The Contax has always been a desirable camera and this one is even more desirable because it’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The camera works as it should, winds very smoothly and all shutter speeds (T,B, 1 sec – 1/1250^th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the faster ones are clean and snappy. The self-timer works. The shutter curtains are light tight. The viewfinder and coupled rangefinder optical array has also been carefully serviced. The image is easy to see and focusing is smooth and accurate and it’s a real pleasure to use. (Not hazy like the average Contax.) In case you wondered, it uses normal 35mm film.

So there you have it, a very fine IIa camera, all ready to be used. Just add your favorite lens & film and you’ll be good to go... Don’t have a Contax rangefinder lens in your collection yet? Don’t despair, Contax rangefinder lenses are easy to find on eBay. A quick search will reveal a huge number of lenses in a variety of focal lengths. This camera is compatible with Contax rangefinder mount lenses produced by Zeiss, Voigtlander (Japan) and of course those produced in the former Eastern Bloc.

 All in all, a wonderful camera. The perfect companion for your search for that perfect picture and that perfect moment.